Former EWU Deputy Police Chief Gasseling laid to rest

Gary Gasseling, the former deputy chief of the Eastern Washington University Campus Police Department and the man with an ever-present smile, was laid to rest on Oct. 6 at the Latah Cemetery in Latah, Wash. following a battle with cancer that took his life Sept. 23.

Gasseling, 63, was born in Alliance, Neb. on Feb. 15, 1955 to Kenneth and Orleatha Gasseling. He was raised near Pomeroy, Wash., graduating from Pomeroy High School in 1973. Gasseling enrolled in Washington State University where he later worked for their police department.

Gasseling's law enforcement career continued in March 1980 when he was hired by the Washington State Patrol. Duties included protection detail at the Governor's mansion, motors division, in human resources, the narcotics division, as well as serving as a sniper on the SWAT Team.His 40-year career in law enforcement was completed when he recently retired at EWU.

Gasseling married Sally Tee on Oct. 1, 2005 and together they shared three children Kelsey Gasseling, Matt (Kate) Peringer and Katy (JJ) Vancil. Known as "Gramps" to grandchildren Owen, Emerson, Harper and Nora, Gary was their hero, letting them drive the tractor and sit in a police car.

According to his obituary, Gasseling was known for his quick wit, infectious smile and his kind and compassionate spirit. And that was evident from some of those who knew and worked with Gasseling.

Dave Meany, EWU's director of media relations, shared some of his memories in a recent post online at Eastern 24-7.

"I fondly recall the last time I saw Gary Gasseling," Meany wrote. "It was just two months ago. Like every other time I saw him, he was happy. He was smiling. I'm pretty sure he greeted everyone with that smile (maybe even the bad guys)."

He had that 'Gary grin' as people from all over campus and beyond filed onto the grass in front of the EWU Red Barn to wish him well in retirement.

"Selfishly, I was thinking how I was going to miss my "go-to" guy on campus," Meany added. "Because of our jobs, Gary and I would sometimes have to call each other at 4 a.m. on a snow day, or maybe 3 p.m. on a sunny Saturday because of something that might put EWU in the news."

Randy Suess posted a memory on the online guestbook at Kramer Funeral Home in Tekoa, Wash.

"Gary and I were friends since playing basketball against each other in high school, going to WSU at the same time, and seeing him at all the EWU football games," Kramer wrote. "I will always remember his great personality, and willingness to take time to visit."

Paul Delaney can be reached at pdelaney@cheneyfreepress.com.